Gretzky, Candy to get names etched on Grey Cup

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Former Argonauts owners Bruce McNall, left, and Wayne Gretzky, shown in this 1991 photo, watch from the sidelines as current coach Mike Clemons returns to the bench. ((Hans Deryk/Canadian Press))

The names of Wayne Gretzky and the late John Candy, once part owners of the Toronto Argonauts, will be added to the Grey Cup 16 years after the team's championship season.

Keith Pelley, president and CEO of the Argonauts, made the announcement Tuesday as part of the unveiling of plans for Grey Cup week festivities in Toronto from Nov. 19-25.

Pelley said the Argos had asked for and received permission from the CFL to add the names to the trophy.

The NHL great and the Canadian comedian held minority ownership of the team from 1991-94 with majority partner Bruce McNall, who was also owner of the Los Angeles Kings at the time. Only McNall's name currently appears on the Grey Cup.

Candy's widow, Rose, will appear at a tribute during the league's awards banquet on Nov. 22. The event will be produced by Second City, where Candy cut his teeth, and hosted by longtime friend Dan Aykroyd.

Candy passed away in 1994 while filming a movie in Mexico, but had expressed interest in retaining a stake in the team.

It isunknown if the NHL schedule will permit Gretzky, the coach of the Phoenix Coyotes, to attend.

McNallfell from grace later in the decade, serving just under four years in a U.S. federal prison after pleading guilty to bank fraud.

The Argos announced a series of events through the week with appearances by the likes of Barenaked Ladies, Trailer Park Boys, Trish Stratus and Great Big Sea.

Grey Cup chairman Rick Brace saidfewer than 5,000 tickets remain for the final, to be played Nov. 25 at Rogers Centre.